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Speech and language therapy assistant

Alternative titles for this job include Speech and language therapy support worker

Speech and language therapy assistants support people who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking or swallowing.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£29,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Speech and language therapy assistant

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to get into this job. Relevant subjects include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
  • Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare Support Services
  • Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

Most health and social care courses include work placements so this could be a good way to get practical experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a healthcare assistant and move into speech and language therapy assistant work, through further training and promotion.

Volunteering

You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from working in a healthcare setting. Some employers may ask for a qualification in healthcare and GCSE subjects like maths, English and science.

More Information

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for jobs and apprenticeships.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a speech and language therapy assistant from Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of psychology
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You'll need to be able to speak a second language that is spoken in the community to work as a bilingual speech and language therapy assistant.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role, you could:

  • work with clients on a one-to-one basis
  • run group work and activities
  • update patient records
  • work closely with speech therapists and education professionals
  • advise clients and colleagues on cultural and language differences if you're bilingual

Working environment

You could work at a health centre, in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, in a nursery or at a school.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Medical Assistant Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

HCA Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,313.60 a year Annually
  • Location: Bingham, Nottingham
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Healthcare Support Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 10 March 2025
  • Location: Paignton

C&G 4346-31 L3 Dip in Clinical Healthcare Support - Yr 1 of 2

  • Provider: BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 August 2025
  • Location: Taunton
Find courses near you

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